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Dental Assistant Schools & Programs
Dental assistants earn a median salary of $44,820 per year, with the top 10% making over $67,200, and employment is projected to grow 8% through 2032. Training programs prepare you for a hands-on career that combines clinical skills with patient interaction, and most certificate programs can be completed in under a year. With approximately 56,400 annual job openings nationwide, dental assisting offers a reliable path into healthcare.
Dental Assistant Salary Snapshot
U.S.52,900 openings/yr
What Is a Dental Assistant Program?
Dental assistant programs teach students to work directly alongside dentists during examinations, cleanings, and procedures. Students learn to prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, take dental X-rays, and assist with restorative and surgical procedures. Programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice, either in campus dental labs or through externships in dental offices. Accredited programs prepare graduates to meet state-specific requirements for chairside assisting and dental radiography, providing a strong foundation for immediate employment upon completion.
What You’ll Learn
- Four-handed dentistry techniques for chairside assisting during procedures
- Dental radiography (X-ray) operation, processing, and safety protocols
- Sterilization of instruments and infection control following OSHA and CDC guidelines
- Dental materials preparation including impressions, cements, and composites
- Patient charting, dental terminology, and electronic dental records
- Oral health education and post-procedure care instructions for patients
- Front office skills including scheduling, insurance verification, and billing basics
- Dental anatomy, tooth numbering systems, and common pathology recognition
- Coronal polishing and fluoride application (where permitted by state law)
- Emergency procedures and medical emergency response in the dental office
How Long Does Training Take?
Certificate programs in dental assisting typically take 9 to 11 months of full-time study and represent the most direct path to employment. Associate degree programs run approximately 2 years and include general education courses alongside dental training, which can be advantageous for career advancement. Some states allow on-the-job training without formal education, but completing an accredited program significantly improves job prospects and is required for certification. Programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are recognized nationwide. Tuition for certificate programs generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 at community colleges, while private vocational schools may charge $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Financial aid and payment plans are commonly available.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Background check and drug screening (required for clinical placements)
- Current immunizations including Hepatitis B series and TB test
- CPR/BLS certification (typically required before clinical rotations)
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and maintain fine motor dexterity
- Some programs require completion of prerequisite courses in biology or health science
Licensing & Certification
Licensing requirements for dental assistants vary significantly by state. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) offers the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, which is recognized in most states and requires passing three component exams: General Chairside Assisting (GC), Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE). Many states require separate certification or permits for taking dental X-rays. Some states, like California and Texas, have their own state-specific exams and expanded function permits. DANB certification must be renewed annually with continuing education credits.
Career Outlook & Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% employment growth for dental assistants from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth generates approximately 56,400 annual job openings, fueled by an aging population that retains more natural teeth and increasing emphasis on preventive dental care. The median annual wage is $44,820, with the top 10% earning over $67,230. Mean annual wages reach $49,302 across all practice settings. Entry-level dental assistants typically start around $26,890, while those with expanded function credentials, specialty experience, or employment in metropolitan areas tend to earn at the higher end of the pay scale (BLS, OEWS, May 2024).
Where You’ll Work
Dental assistants are employed primarily in general dentistry offices, which account for the majority of positions. Specialty practices in orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and endodontics also hire dental assistants, often at higher pay rates. Other employment settings include community health centers, dental schools, government agencies (including the military and VA), and corporate dental chains. Most dental assistant positions follow standard weekday business hours, though some practices offer evening or Saturday appointments.
Online vs In-Person Options
Dental assisting requires extensive hands-on practice, so fully online programs are not common. Some programs offer hybrid formats where didactic coursework such as dental anatomy, terminology, and office management is completed online, while lab work, radiography training, and clinical externships are completed in person. If considering a hybrid program, confirm that the clinical component meets your state’s requirements for certification eligibility. CODA-accredited programs maintain strict standards for clinical training hours regardless of delivery format.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Dental Assistant by state
Dental Assistant Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $37,280 | $55,250 |
| Alaska | $55,950 | $67,250 |
| Arizona | $49,000 | $60,480 |
| Arkansas | $37,680 | $47,230 |
| California | $48,910 | $72,060 |
| Colorado | $47,770 | $63,230 |
| Connecticut | $50,820 | $60,160 |
| Delaware | $46,090 | $58,560 |
| District of Columbia | $56,500 | $70,130 |
| Florida | $47,060 | $57,950 |
| Georgia | $45,600 | $58,750 |
| Hawaii | $44,870 | $50,140 |
| Idaho | $39,460 | $58,520 |
| Illinois | $47,430 | $58,620 |
| Indiana | $47,980 | $60,760 |
| Iowa | $47,820 | $59,010 |
| Kansas | $39,840 | $55,170 |
| Kentucky | $46,520 | $59,300 |
| Louisiana | $38,150 | $55,800 |
| Maine | $51,340 | $63,190 |
| Maryland | $48,280 | $59,810 |
| Massachusetts | $57,960 | $71,300 |
| Michigan | $47,030 | $56,750 |
| Minnesota | $64,630 | $74,930 |
| Mississippi | $37,130 | $55,480 |
| Missouri | $45,220 | $57,770 |
| Montana | $45,820 | $57,130 |
| Nebraska | $46,660 | $57,820 |
| Nevada | $46,970 | $59,410 |
| New Hampshire | $50,260 | $61,260 |
| New Jersey | $48,070 | $62,190 |
| New Mexico | $38,840 | $54,290 |
| New York | $47,020 | $61,170 |
| North Carolina | $48,710 | $59,300 |
| North Dakota | $51,310 | $71,630 |
| Ohio | $47,330 | $74,880 |
| Oklahoma | $44,450 | $51,540 |
| Oregon | $57,720 | $71,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,290 | $61,580 |
| Rhode Island | $48,060 | $75,940 |
| South Carolina | $45,930 | $58,570 |
| South Dakota | $47,680 | $60,760 |
| Tennessee | $46,090 | $59,210 |
| Texas | $42,270 | $55,400 |
| Utah | $37,320 | $46,710 |
| Vermont | $51,020 | $62,440 |
| Virginia | $46,910 | $59,920 |
| Washington | $57,040 | $66,270 |
| West Virginia | $37,330 | $49,480 |
| Wisconsin | $48,000 | $58,910 |
| Wyoming | $42,770 | $58,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Dental assisting can serve as both a rewarding long-term career and a launching pad for advanced dental professions. Understanding the range of practice settings, specialization options, and advancement pathways helps you plan your career strategically. Whether you are interested in orthodontics, oral surgery, or eventually pursuing dental hygiene or dental school, a foundation in dental assisting provides valuable clinical experience and patient care skills.
Explore related career guides in our healthcare career center.
FAQs
Do dental assistants need to be certified?
Certification requirements depend on your state. Some states require DANB certification or a state-specific credential, while others allow dental assistants to work with on-the-job training alone. However, earning the CDA credential from DANB makes you more competitive in the job market and is increasingly preferred by employers. Most states require at least a radiography permit to take dental X-rays.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
Dental assistants work chairside with the dentist, preparing instruments, taking X-rays, and managing patient flow. Dental hygienists perform clinical tasks like teeth cleanings, scaling, and periodontal assessments independently. Hygienists require an associate degree at minimum and must pass national and state board exams. Dental assistant training is shorter, but hygienists typically earn significantly higher salaries.
Can dental assisting lead to other dental careers?
Yes, many dental professionals started as dental assistants. With additional education, dental assistants can pursue careers as dental hygienists, dental lab technicians, or office managers. Some use their clinical experience as a foundation for dental school. The hands-on patient care experience gained as a dental assistant is valuable regardless of which direction you take.
How much do dental assistant programs cost?
Tuition varies by institution type and program length. Certificate programs at community colleges typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, while private vocational schools may charge $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Additional expenses include textbooks, scrubs, instrument kits, certification exam fees (approximately $350 to $500 for DANB), and background check fees. Many schools accept financial aid, and scholarships specifically for dental assisting students are available through ADAA and other organizations.
What are expanded functions for dental assistants?
Many states allow dental assistants to perform expanded functions (EFDA) beyond basic chairside assisting after completing additional training and passing a state exam. These functions may include placing and carving restorations, taking final impressions, applying sealants, and performing coronal polishing. EFDA credentials typically increase earning potential and are valued by employers seeking versatile team members.
Is there demand for dental assistants in rural areas?
Yes, rural and underserved areas often have a strong need for dental assistants due to workforce shortages. Community health centers and public health dental clinics in these areas may offer loan repayment programs or signing bonuses to attract qualified candidates. Rural positions can offer broader scope of practice and diverse clinical experience compared to urban specialty offices.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024 where available, supplemented by industry salary surveys. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Dental Assistant Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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